Borage

Borage, with its striking blue star-shaped flowers and hairy leaves, is a beloved herb known for its culinary versatility, medicinal properties, and attraction to pollinators. Also called "starflower," borage has been cherished for centuries for its beauty and myriad uses.
 
Culinary Use:
Borage is prized in the culinary world for its mild cucumber-like flavor and edible flowers. Its tender leaves can be harvested and used fresh in salads, soups, and sandwiches, adding a subtle, refreshing taste to dishes. Borage flowers are also edible and make a stunning garnish for salads, desserts, and cocktails. They can be candied or frozen into ice cubes for an elegant touch.
In addition to its culinary uses, borage is valued for its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that offers numerous health benefits. Borage oil, extracted from the seeds of the plant, is used as a dietary supplement to support skin health, hormonal balance, and overall well-being.
 
Planting and Harvesting:
Borage is a hardy annual herb that thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight. When planting borage, choose a location with good air circulation to prevent mildew and fungal diseases. 
To harvest borage, wait until the plants are mature and the flowers are fully open. Snip off individual leaves or stems as needed, taking care not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. Harvest the flowers when they are in full bloom for the best flavor and appearance. Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth and ensures a continuous supply of fresh borage for culinary and medicinal use.
 
Medicinal Use:
Borage has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to ancient times. The leaves and flowers of borage are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them valuable for promoting overall health and well-being. Borage is particularly renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of conditions such as arthritis and respiratory ailments.
Borage tea, brewed from the leaves and flowers of the plant, is a popular herbal remedy for stress, anxiety, and insomnia. The tea has a mild, soothing flavor and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Borage oil, extracted from the seeds, is used topically to nourish and hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of minor wounds and skin irritations.
 
Pollinators and Animals:
Borage is highly attractive to pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies. The vibrant blue flowers of borage produce abundant nectar and pollen, making them a valuable food source for pollinating insects. By planting borage in the garden, you can help support bee populations and promote pollination of other plants in the area.
In addition to pollinators, borage may also attract other beneficial insects, such as hoverflies and predatory beetles, which help control garden pests. Birds may also visit the garden to feed on insects attracted to the borage flowers, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem.
 
Genus: Borago officinalis
Aspect: Full Sun/Part shade
Type: Annual
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 0.5 metre
Spread: 0.5 - 1 metre